Water Resources Affairs Minister Md Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee today addressed a discussion organized on the occasion of World Water Day-2026 at Pani Bhaban in the capital. Photo: PID

DHAKA, March 31, 2026 (BSS) - Water Resources Affairs Minister Md Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee today said water is not only the source of life, but also a symbol of equality and justice. 

“Therefore, it is necessary to build a just and sustainable future by ensuring safe and sufficient water for all. Proper action plans and steps must be taken for sustainable water resource management,” he said while addressing a discussion organized on the occasion of World Water Day-2026 at Pani Bhaban in the capital.

State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad was present at the event as a special guest.

‎Anee said that it is necessary to take initiatives to create public awareness about the importance of water. 

He said flood water causes suffering to people while lack of water during drought disrupts people's lives and livelihoods. The floods in 2024 had caused widespread waterlogging in Sylhet, Cumilla, Noakhali and Lakshmipur districts, he added.

Anee urged the heads of ministries and organizations to take proper action plans and necessary steps regarding water. 

He said that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had started the canal excavation programme to get rid of floods. The current government has already inaugurated canal digging in 54 districts. About 1,200 hundred kilometers will be excavated in 180 days and 20 thousand kilometers of canals will be dug nationwide in the next five years, he added.

Farhad Hossain said that water is related to people's lives, livelihoods and socio-economic conditions. Effective steps need to be taken to protect the northern region from desertification and the southern region from salinity, he added. 

He called on all concerned to work together to ensure safe and potable water for future generations. ‎ 

Water resources and climate change expert Dr Ainun Nishat addressed the event as the key speaker with Water Resources Secretary Dr AKM Shahabuddin in the chair. 

Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) CEO Syeda Rizwana Hasan and BUET's Water Resources Strategy Department Professor Dr Md Ataur Rahman, among others, also addressed the event. 

Bangladesh Water Development Board Director General Md Enayet Ullah delivered the welcome speech.